- ABOUT TEMPLE JEWELLERY -
Indian Temple Jewellery seems to have originated somewhere in the 9th century during the reign of the Chola dynasty and ruled the South Indian jewelry box up until the 16th century.
Made of finest gold and embedded with several precious gems and stones, It was used to decorate the idols and Gods and Goddesses in temples. It is an integral part of the adornment of the Tamil bride, is also an essential part of the Bharatanatyam or Kuchipudi dancer’s costume. Since these are recreations of antique gold jewellery, with the increasing demand and appreciation of splendid pieces of the past, it is affordable for all those who wish to cherish a piece of tradition.
Regular Temple Jewellery and Occasional Temple Jewellery are the two types of temple jewellery. They come in a variety of designs and their maximum use by Indian classical dancers also makes it popularly known as dance jewelry.
Regular temple jewelry which is basically worn by women on traditional functions like temple pilgrimages, baby showers, weddings and other festivals. Some of the commonly used jewelry on such occasions includes earrings, bangles, chains, bracelets, necklaces, chokers, rings and toe rings.
Occasional temple jewelry which is especially adorned during dance performances by classical dancers and brides on their wedding days.Jewelry commonly used on such occasions includes anklets, armlets, hair accessories, waist belt and hip chain and nose rings.
The temple jewellery, though not very common in other parts of the country, is symbolic to South India. Vadasery in Southern part of Tamilnadu is the hub where the original temple jewelries are being made. There are 300 craftsmen from 52 families engaged in the craft in this village. Here, the temple jewellery is made in silver covered with gold leaf or dipped in gold and generally follows the age-old method.